Wigan Athletic managed to close the gap between them and the rest of the other relegation candidates thanks to a well earned win against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok stadium.

Manager Robert Martinez will have been relieved to have registered 3 points against their North West rivals, as it has been a very long time since his team had enjoyed such a significant boost in their points tally.

Bolton defender Sam Ricketts has said that a lot rests on the match against Wigan Athletic during the weekend.

Bolton Wanderers are struggling for form in the Premier league. As a result of it, they find themselves down in the relegation zone of the Premier League.

Even though they are just one point away from safety, there is a real chance that they could still get relegated to the Championship. Bolton still have a number of matches to play against the bottom clubs. They will be beginning with the match against Wigan athletic during the weekend.

Roberto Martinez, the Spanish manager of English Premier League club Wigan Athletic is not worried about his side’s exit from the FA Cup, the most prestigious and oldest Cup competition in the world, at the hands of lowly Swindon Town.

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez has said that fans should not be reading too much into the 5-0 defeat his club suffered at the hands of Manchester United on Boxing Day.

Wigan Athletic were heading into the match on a good run of form having drawn against both Chelsea and Liverpool in the past two matches. However, facing second placed Manchester United was always going to be a difficult proposition. Still, they were expecting to take at least something out of the match, although they have not done so in the Premier League since coming up from the Championship.

Wigan Athletic midfielder Jordi Gomez has said that he does not worry about playing top opposition at the DW Stadium or elsewhere. The Spanish midfielder was the star for Wigan Athletic on Saturday when his late goal earned Wigan a point against Chelsea.

Wigan Athletic striker Hugo Rodallega has dismissed the rumours that he is looking for a move away from the Premier League club. Hugo Rodallega has been in poor form all through the season, but his performances in the previous seasons seem to have convinced that suitors that he is indeed the right man.

As a result, a lot speculation has been growing that Hugo Rodallega will be leaving Wigan Athletic in the January transfer window, which is only a few weeks away. However, the striker has himself rejected any such speculations by saying that he is still committed to Wigan Athletic.

Under-pressure Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was happy with the performance against Fulham, but not with the result.

Whilst the Latics created more chances, and arguably dominated the game, they lost to London side Fulham 2-0, with Dempsey and Dembele netting.

The result leaves Wigan rooted to the bottom of the table, but Martine is keen to focus on the positives.

"The stats tell the story. I'm not disappointed with the performance but with our run, the result becomes even more important.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has decided to stay with the club over the proposed Aston Villa move. Martinez, 37, will sign an improved three-year contract with the Latics instead of the chance to manage Villa.

"Roberto met with his chairman [Dave Whelan] earlier this week and has made the decision to honour his commitment to Wigan," read a Villa statement.

"Therefore, we have not met Roberto and we have not had the chance to discuss the vacant managerial role with him."

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has sent out a clear message to fans of the club insisting that there is no rift with striker Hugo Rodallega after he reacted badly to being substituted against Chelsea.

The Colombian frontman was replaced just after the hour mark in the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge and was visibly angry at being taken off.

"It is the natural reaction. He wants to be on the pitch and help the team, and that is something that shows real passion and real responsibility," Martinez told Sky Sports News.

Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Chris Kirkland's proposed move to Cardiff City has stumbled after talks break down between the parties.

The Bluebirds were keen to add a quality goalkeeper to the ranks with David Marshall requireing surgery, youngster Jordan Santiago out with a finger injury and regular number 1 struggling with a groin strain.

Initial contact was rejected by Kirkland, but a deal appeared close this weekend with Dave Jones even confirming the move as Kirkland searched for first team opportunities.